California Building Permits — Complete Guide (2026)
California Building Permits: City & County Permit Portals, Costs, Title 24 Guide
California uses a statewide building code (Title 24), with enforcement handled locally by cities and counties. Local jurisdictions may add stricter requirements. California has the highest permit volume in the nation and among the strictest building codes. ADU laws are the most homeowner-friendly in the US — cities cannot deny compliant ADU applications. Permits are issued at the city or county level, not the state.
How building permits work in California
Permits in California are issued at the city or county level, not the state. If you are in an unincorporated area, contact your county building department. Most have online portals. Cities like LA, San Diego, San Jose, and Sacramento each run their own permitting systems.
Learn the step-by-step permit process →Not sure where to apply?
Enter your city or address to find your permit office.
Permit costs by type — California
| Permit Type | Fee Range | Processing Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical | $150–$350 | 1–5 days | Panel upgrades common due to EV adoption statewide |
| Plumbing | $100–$300 | 1–5 days | Water heater replacement always requires permit in CA |
| HVAC / Mechanical | $150–$400 | 2–7 days | Heat pump incentives driving volume; Title 24 required |
| Deck / Patio | $200–$600 | 2–4 weeks | Structural plans required for attached decks |
| ADU (Junior) | $300–$700 | 1–3 weeks | Pre-approved plans available statewide; city cannot deny |
| ADU (Detached) | $600–$1,500 | 3–8 weeks | Cities cannot deny by-right under AB 68 / SB 9 |
| Room Addition | $800–$2,000 | 4–10 weeks | Title 24 energy compliance required |
| New Construction | $2,000–$5,000+ | 6–16 weeks | Varies by city and project valuation |
| Roofing | $175–$380 | 1–5 days | Re-roof requires permit in all CA jurisdictions |
| Solar | $150–$500 | 1 day–2 weeks | SolarAPP+ available in many counties; expedited review |
| Pool / Spa | $500–$1,500 | 3–8 weeks | Pool barrier fence required; GFCI outlets mandatory |
| Demolition | $200–$800 | 1–3 weeks | HAZMAT survey required; local notification rules apply |
Major California cities — apply online
View counties →Most California permits are issued by cities. Click your city to access the permit portal, apply online, or check permit status.
Permit costs by county — top California counties
County building departments handle unincorporated areas. Click a county to access its permit portal directly.
How to get a building permit in California
Find your local building department
Permits in California are issued at the city or county level, not the state. If you are in an unincorporated area, contact your county building department. Most have online portals. Use the city cards above or ask the permit AI to find yours instantly.
Determine if your project requires plans
Simple trade permits (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) usually do not require architectural plans. Additions, ADUs, and new construction always do. Plans must be prepared by a licensed architect or engineer for structural work.
Submit for plan check
California plan check is thorough — expect 2–8 weeks for structural projects. Many jurisdictions offer over-the-counter approval for simple projects. Online plan submission is available in most major counties including LA, San Diego, and Sacramento.
Pay fees and receive permit
Fees are typically based on project valuation. California cities are required to disclose fee schedules publicly. Always request a fee estimate before submitting. Impact fees, school fees, and fire department fees may be charged in addition to building permit fees.
Inspections throughout the project
California requires inspections at each phase. You cannot close walls before rough electrical, plumbing, and framing inspections pass. Final inspection is required before occupancy. Most cities offer online inspection scheduling.
Certificate of Occupancy
New construction and ADUs require a Certificate of Occupancy before use. This is issued after all final inspections pass and utility connections are confirmed. Keep copies of all permits — they transfer with property ownership.
ADU permits in California — what you need to know
🏠 California is the most ADU-friendly state in the US
Under AB 68, AB 2335, and SB 9, California has pre-empted local restrictions. Cities must approve compliant ADU applications within 60 days. Key provisions:
- No minimum lot size requirement for ADUs statewide
- Junior ADUs (JADUs) up to 500 sq ft allowed in any single-family home
- Cities cannot deny ADU permits that meet state minimums
- Impact fees are prohibited for ADUs under 750 sq ft
- Pre-approved ADU plans available from HCD — free download, expedited review
- Owner-occupancy requirements eliminated in most jurisdictions through 2025
California building permit data & guides
Find a licensed California contractor
California requires CSLB-licensed contractors for most permitted work. Always verify a contractor's license before hiring — it protects you and is required for most permit types.
General Contractors
Find pre-screened, CSLB-licensed general contractors for your California home project. Compare quotes and hire with confidence.
Find a Contractor →Verify CSLB License
Always verify your contractor holds a valid CSLB (Contractors State License Board) license. Required for projects over $500 in California.
Check CSLB →Electricians & Plumbers
California C-10 (electrical) and C-36 (plumbing) license classifications. Verify credentials via CSLB or DIR before any permitted work.
DIR Lookup →Ready to get started? Browse verified, licensed contractors serving California homeowners and get free quotes on your project.
🔍 Find a Contractor Near YouFrequently asked questions — California permits
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